ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Alabama — Opponents are stepping up their calls to put the brakes on Jefferson County’s massive northern Beltline project. New research questions the economic impact, high costs and jobs created.
The Beltline will span 52 miles. “We’re going to open up northeastern Jefferson County to all kinds of opportunities,” Commissioner Joe Knight said at a press conference commemorating the construction of the First Mile in August.
But a new analysis by economists at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte puts the project in a new light, finding that the BeltLine is “not a sound investment.” The number of jobs created is “significantly exaggerated,” and the cost to taxpayers of each temporary construction job could be as much as $500,000. Researchers also say any economic growth will come from moving jobs away from Birmingham city centre.
“If businesses move from downtown to the Beltway, that’s not growth. What are the reallocation factors here? People moving from one area to another is not growth, and the number of permanent jobs is It’s going to be very limited,” explained Dr. Matthew Metzger. Co-author of the study. We received funding from the Southern Environmental Law Center to bring a new, objective perspective to this large-scale project.
Professor Metzger says BeltLine’s supposed benefits stem from a flawed and outdated 2010 study. As of 2024, this project is not considered a good investment. “The biggest concern is the $5 billion cost, and there doesn’t seem to be any benefit to it,” Dr. Metzger said.
He explained that people often think backwards that once roads are built, growth will continue. Research shows that the opposite is actually true. First, we need growing areas like Charlotte and Atlanta to encourage development, and then we build roads. And with inflation, the cost of road construction continues to rise.
Local residents argue that economic drivers such as the Turkey Creek Preserve, which receives 100,000 visitors a year, and other creeks and tributaries are at risk from the construction. “The water is clean, there are endangered species here… it’s just a peaceful place,” said Arlo Pate, a visitor to the sanctuary.
The Beltline is not listed as a transportation priority by the Regional Planning Commission or Business Council. “People need to wake up and stop wasting money on unnecessary projects,” said Nelson Brook Black Warrior Riverkeeper.
SEE ALSO: Broadband expansion comes to Alabama
SEE ALSO: Federal judge halts Alabama voter purge
Critics argue for reallocating federal funds to other important needs, such as expanding Interstate 65. “These are public funds. They should produce something that benefits taxpayers,” Dr. Metzger said.
But many of Alabama’s leaders are still sold on the Beltline. “If we do this the right way, this region will become one of the most attractive regions in the country,” Gary Palmer said at a recent media event.
ALDOT says it has not reviewed this latest research. A spokesperson said there was a lot of support from the community at a public meeting for the project in August.
